New extension approved for Isobel Fraser Nursing Home in Inverness
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Owners of an Inverness care home can build a new extension at the property to help with upgraded infection control requirements.
Highland Council has granted listed building consent, as well as full planning permission, for the project at Isobel Fraser Nursing Home in Mayfield Road.
Owners are aiming to demolish the existing extension, which is described as a kitchen and service corridor, and replace it with a new staff welfare and service reception area.
Permission was granted because, according to the decision notice, the proposals were in accordance with the development plan and there were no material considerations which would warrant its refusal.
The site covers an area of 231sq m and is to the back of the building – it was identified as the optimum location for the new structure.
According to the design statement, which was submitted as part of the application, the home needed new and improved staff facilities to ensure ongoing necessary hygiene standards in this “highly commended” nursing home.
The statement said that this was particularly in light of current circumstances in terms of Covid-19 and the corresponding necessary upgrading of infection control requirements at the home.
It added: “Facilities are to include suitably sized changing and toilet facilities, laundry store, patient equipment store, medication preparation area, and to provide a safe and secure deliveries reception area.”
The building was category B listed in June 1996 and dates from 1936.
Extensions to the original building include a large front conservatory, access ramp and the rear kitchen access corridor to the east, the site for the now approved extension.
The report stated: “Additional ancillary buildings are also located within the service area to the rear of the property, and will include the proposed new storage shed with office and toilet.”
An existing staff entrance and service corridor is a glass and timber clad, timber framed lean-to extension, which was designed and built between 2007 and 2009.
The report stated: “The new staff welfare extension will replace this earlier extension, being sited over and to the south-west of the existing footprint.”
New accommodation – essentially changing areas, toilets, stores, and staff and delivery access – requires levels of privacy and security as well as good quality natural lighting.
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